president
We have heard the saying “you never stop learning” and not until you’ve entered the
work world do you really start to understand this statement. You’re no longer confined
to the traditional education system counting down the minutes until the bell rings,
but instead constantly gaining knowledge in other ways. These learning experiences
come in many forms from many sources, and all of them help guide our professional
development path. While serving the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter Members, I’ve
benefitted from a range of opportunities including continuing education, volunteer
work, and networking, and I’ve been fortunate enough to see other Members grow and
develop in their careers.
In the 2011-2012 term, the Chapter hosted over 90 CEUs and educational programs
in the City Centers and at METROCON. This Member benefit illustrates our Region’s
commitment to personal professional development and the advancement of the Interior Design industry. In
addition, the Chapter-wide NCIDQ Study Course was launched, which gives all our Members access to quality
study material, course facilitators to guide them through the examination and registration process, and a network
of peers striving for professional career advancement.
Throughout the year, IIDA programs provide opportunities for Members to meet and network with others in the
design community. Often the connections become mentors and mentees, colleagues, and friends. During the
last several years, numerous Members have credited the connections they made through IIDA as helping them
get a new job or land their first job.
Of the friendships I’ve seen develop over the years, it’s the ones where people have worked together on
committees, in design competitions, and saving products from the landfill that continue well after the experience.
As a Member-Volunteer, the opportunities for growth are endless from honing collaboration and communication
skills to planning and budgeting for an event.
As my role on the Chapter Board transitions to Immediate Past President, I encourage all of you to find professional
development opportunities in your community. Whether you help promote an educational program, invite a
young designer to attend a Membership Drive, or decide this is the year you will give back and volunteer for a
committee, thank you for letting IIDA be part of your experience.

The IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter 2012-2013 Board was inducted on July 12th at our Chapter Retreat. The
Chapter Board is looking forward to working together and serving our membership in the coming year.

IIDA is the “Future of Design,” and we recognize
that no one represents this better than our Student
Members. The Association recognizes the influence
that new designers have on the profession and
targets Student Members with the information
and events that will begin a successful career. With
this in mind, IIDA is helping to serve the student
population better by streamlining the transition
from Student to Associate Member with a recent
announcement. Current student membership will
now run on the calendar year. Starting in 2013, all
student memberships will follow the calendar year
like the Professional Members.

The International Interior Design Association
advances the profession of Interior Design through
the progressive cultivation of innovative leadership
and by constantly advocating for exceptional design.
We work with you, and for you, to shape your future
in design. Whether you are a student, a project
manager, an entrepreneur, or a retired designer,
IIDA has a membership level and privileges for you!
Learn more by visiting iida.org or by contacting your
City Center Membership Chair.

What that means to 2012 Student Members: all 2012
current Student Members will get an extension of
their membership this year to run through December
2012. That’s 3 months of membership FREE! This
is a great benefit for current student members! Be
sure to take advantage and get involved with Texas
Oklahoma Chapter.

2.
Online/Only Access: Participants will receive
online access to study materials that include reading
material, homework, practice tests and a full practice
practicum (all with answers and solutions). Onsite
class access or a hard copy of materials is NOT
included.

It’s been no secret…our great Texas Oklahoma
Chapter has excelled through our City Centers in
offering our Associate Members the very best when
it comes to preparing for the NCIDQ exam. At the
grass roots effort, City Centers like Dallas Fort Worth,
Houston and San Antonio have independently
produced successful study courses that, year after
year, continually produced equally successful
results for its participants. So, this time last year,
I was approached with the question ‘Why can’t we
combine all our City Center’s efforts and offer this
material to all our Members across the Chapter?’.
Sounded easy enough, right?!
While we’ve seen our fair share of bumps in the road
throughout this process, I’m so excited to announce
that the course launched on July 16th across our
Chapter, with registration beginning on June 28th.
Our goal to offer the same information with the same
format during the same time schedule is coming to
life! Below are the class options that are launching
for the Fall 2012 exam:
1.
Onsite Class/Online Access: Onsite class
access to include 10 weekly classes with verbal
instruction from course facilitators. All 3 Sections
will be covered that includes reading material,
homework, practice tests and a full practice
practicum. Participants will receive a hard copy of
all course materials as well as online access to the
materials for further studying.
*This access is currently only offered in DFW,
Houston & San Antonio City Centers.

3.
Onsite Class/Section 3 Access:
Onsite
class access to include 4 weekly classes with verbal
instruction from course facilitators that only concern
Section 3 (last 4 classes of 10 week schedule).
Participants will receive hard copy of practice
practicum.
*This access is currently only offered in DFW, Houston
& San Antonio City Centers.
Throughout this process, I have had the opportunity
to witness what amazing volunteers we have and how
committed they have been to making sure their City
Center’s course was truly a success. I got to speak
with Members that were course participants and the
answer was always along the lines of ‘I felt completely
prepared when I went to sit for the NCIDQ’ and ‘My
course facilitators were very knowledgeable and
their direction and teachings were invaluable to my
success’. We are truly a part of the greatest Chapter!
I would personally like to thank the NCIDQ Study
Course Task Force participants that helped make
this goal a reality – Ann Briganti (Houston), Rebecca
Hupp (San Antonio), Rena Hardeman (DFW), Jennie
Harden (DFW), Keesha Erdmann (Chapter) and
Megan Ebert (Chapter). You all are the reason for
our successes!!!
Please visit our website for more information and
up-to-date class descriptions, http://iida-tx-ok.org/
careers/study-courses-ncidq.

Summer 2012
6

past events

Student Conference 2012
On February 23-24th the IIDA Student Conference 2012
brought together students, professional, educators,
and manufacturers’ representatives for two days of
academic and professional enrichment. Students from
13 universities and Interior Design programs across
Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana participated in tours
throughout the Houston area.
A select group of 36 students from 10 Interior Design
programs were randomly paired to compete in a
Design Charette that asked the teams to explore
design solutions for the historic Allen’s Landing on
Buffalo Bayou in Houston. Nine charette teams were
given 4 hours to complete a design concept and
illustrate it on a presentation board.
Thursday afternoon began with tours of various
Architecture & Design firms, furniture dealer
showrooms, and projects
that ranged from highend client offices to
non-profit organizations.
The day ended with
the
Industry
Tabletop
Expo which highlighted
companies,
universities,
and organizations which
gave the students an
opportunity to network
with Industry Professionals
and to learn about the
company/products
Students line up for represented.
afternoon tours

The 12th Annual Student Conference concluded
with the Keynote Speaker Luncheon which featured
Laura McDonald Stewart, founder of PLiNTH &
CHiNTZ, the online Interior Design Magazine.
Laura a Registered Interior Designer, presented
“Connection Speed”, which explored ideas for
quickly establishing your presence in the interior
design industry. Networking and Volunteering were
key points that she stressed could help to land job
opportunities, as well as create friendships that will
last through entire professional careers.
The conference concluded with an awards cermony
for scholarship and charette winners. The five 2012
Texas Oklahoma Chapter Scholarship winners
were acknowledged and announced. Finally the
three charette teams were recognized for their
accomplishment, and the first place team was
rewarded for their exceptional design concept.
Hsin (Annie) Jsiao from Stephen F. Austin, Megan
Funni from Texas State University, Judith Wishert
from University of Texas at San Antonio, and Rashel
Smith from University of North Texas were on the
winning team.
Thank you to all that particpated and volunteered for
making Student Conference 2012 a huge success.
We have bigger and better things planned for 2013,
and we hope to see you there!

The second day of the conference started with a
Panel Breakfast Discussion with distinguished and
varied professional Interior Designers and Industry
Members. Topics of the conversation typically involve
the transition into the business world and current
economic conditions for job placement.
Students had the opportunity to learn from professionals
during 101 Topic presentations and Portfolio Review
sessions. The 101 Topics focused on three areas of
career development. Fifty students participated in the
portfolio review and were able to receive constructive
criticism and advice fine tuning their representative
work prior to entering the job market.

A passionate supporter of IIDA, JCS is a commercial furniture dealership
with a fun side. With modest origins in the early nineties, owners Blake
Blazek and Mike Carr were two cranks of a three person machine. Along
with Blake’s wife Lisa, the trio busily ran a moving and relocation services
company with only the aid of a mini-van. While the three remain vital
members of the JCS team today, they have grown the company to a
vibrant and well-oiled machine of more than 50 employees and an allinclusive range of furniture services. As a Teknion Preferred Dealer and
a Kimball dealer, JCS is consistently in the top 5 dealers in Houston for
volume and sales of furniture. Working with reputable design firms and
a wide range of clients, JCS provides customized furniture and services
packages under the belief that the best design solutions flow from the
collaboration of innovative ideas and exceptional materials
While JCS places great importance on working hard to take care of their
clients, they never turn down the chance to make a splash at a fun party or networking event. For many years,
JCS has been a notable contributor to The IIDA Houston City Center and takes pride in having a hand in IIDA’s
contributions to both the industry and the community. Not only did JCS fulfill the esteemed role of being the
sole “Private Charter” underwriter for Product Runway 2012 volunteering resources and manpower, their own
Laura Thompson co-chaired this year’s production. Part of the JCS mentality is that networking and letting
loose do not have to be mutually exclusive and they even host their own famed Halloween party every year for
the design community to get together for a high-energy, no-pressure night of dancing and libations, costumes
not optional.
The future of JCS is bright, with 2012 having thus far brought a handful of new employees with established roots
in the industry and some exciting opportunities with clients new and old. Blake, Mike, Lisa and the rest of the
team look forward to a productive and fruitful year in business. And to throwing the best Halloween party yet,
of course.

Jessica Barrios presents
the Best in Show Award
at Product Runway 2012

The Texas Oklahoma Chapter will
be honoring Deborah Fuller, RID,
IIDA, LEED AP BD+C and ID+C,
USGBC LEED® Faculty, a Registered
Interior Designer with 30 years in
the industry, Deborah Fuller has the
type of broad-based experience that
generates a unique, holistic approach to her work
and demonstrates an involved, hands-on attitude in
all phases of the design and construction process.

chapter events

Join Us on October 3, 2012 at the new Omni Dallas
Hotel for IIDA Leaders Breakfast 2013.
The Keynote Speaker will be cofounder of Method Products, Eric
Ryan. When Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan
founded Method, they used packaging
stylish enough to showcase on the
countertop and pleasant aromas such
as green tea and cucumber to transform
household products into must-have
lifestyle accessories. And when they
coined the phrase ‘People Against Dirty,’ they weren’t
just talking about the stuff you track in on your shoes,
they also meant the toxic chemicals that make up many
household detergents. Currently, Method products are
sold in over 25,000 retail locations in the U.S., Canada,
and the U.K.
Prior to founding Method, Eric spent over seven years
in advertising, trend-spotting and brand positioning
for high-end consumer brands including Gap, Old
Navy and Saturn. By fusing his knowledge of fashion
and design, Eric created a modern and stylish line of
environmentally conscious surface products that are
quickly finding their way to becoming permanent
fixtures in homes around the world. Eric was ranked #1
speaker by 2009’s Masters of Marketing scores.
Their first book, Squeaky Green, is an informative and
completely entertaining room-by-room guide to giving
dirty the boot. Packed with helpful tips and surprising
facts, Squeaky Green is rehab for chemically dependant
homes. Eric earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University
of Rhode Island. He currently resides in San Francisco
with his wife Ingrid and two children, Anya and Mattius.

Deborah Fuller has collaborated on many awardwinning LEED projects and has written, prepared and
presented on multiple green building topics. She
brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with
the LEED certification process and has successfully
facilitated and consulted on over 45 LEED projects
across multiple rating systems. Deborah’s work as
a green building consultant and materials expert
demonstrates an unwavering commitment to
improve the quality of occupants’ working and living
environments. This passion, guided by her integrity,
creativity and mentoring, characterizes Deborah’s
approach to green building and assists design team
integrate sustainable principals and strategies. She
coordinates sustainability efforts across several
disciplines and multiple HOK offices, teaches
LEED training workshops and speaks frequently on
sustainable construction, business practices and
LEED implementation. Deborah has been a project
designer for a wide variety of interiors projects and
large complex furniture and furnishings packages. In
addition, she is a past Board of Director for the North
Texas USGBC Chapter, past IIDA Dallas Fort Worth
City Center Sustainable Director and on the Advisory
Board for Collin College Sustainable Curriculum
program and participated on the LEED CI 2.0 Exam
Prep team. Deborah is part of the HOK Sustainable
Leadership Team, Sustainable Curriculum Team and
Sustainable Materials Content Expert.
Dallas is fortunate to be one of nine cities across
the US and Canada participating in the series,
which benefits the IIDA Foundation. The IIDA
Foundation is a not-for-profit (501c3), philanthropic
organization whose primary mission is to advance
Interior Design through education, research, and
knowledge to benefit IIDA and the Interior Design
profession. Within the Texas Oklahoma Chapter, the
Education Fund supports activities directly related to
the advancement of students pursuing degrees in
Interior Design in the states of Texas and Oklahoma.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Texas Oklahoma
Education Fund has awarded over $75,000 in
scholarship monies to 26 aspiring Interior Designers.

Summer 2012
9

METROCON12 Expo & Conference:
Breaking Records in Its 10th Year Serving the A&D Industry
METROCON is having a spectacular year, and you are going to want to be a part of it. The official close of booth
sales was June 22, but METROCON sold out its 388 available booths on June 6, beating it by a record 16 days.
If the organizers hadn’t added 19 booths to the floor this year, booths would have sold out on May 16. Not only
have the trade show’s exhibitor sales been breaking records, but the two-day event also received 20% more
continuing education presentation submissions than it did in 2011.
Now in its 10th year, METROCON Expo & Conference has established a solid reputation as an exceptionally
affordable and vital business- and career-building venue for the Architecture & Design industry. Interior
designers, architects, facility managers, students, and other vital design industry members convene to learn
more about, establish contacts within and see what’s new in the corporate, residential, hospitality, multifamily,
retail, healthcare, and institutional design fields.
The convention serves as a model for industry collaboration as it is organized through landmark volunteer
partnership between IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter and the Texas Chapter of ASID. Due to the extreme
dedication of a handful of volunteers who make up the METROCON Committee, as well as the generosity
of a variety of show sponsors – including 2012 Media Sponsor, Design Guide – prices for both Exhibitors and
Attendees are exceedingly low relative to similar events around the USA.
METROCON12 will take place at Dallas
Market Hall [2200 Stemmons Fwy, Dallas,
TX] on Thursday, August 9 & Friday,
August 10, 2012. With 250+ exhibitors in
350+ booths and 50+ CEU's, the event
is a valuable networking hub for the
regional design community and beyond.
So join your peers at METROCON12!
Visit the METROCON Expo &
Conference website to find out more
details, including a real-time exhibitor
list, two-day schedule, discount travel
information, social networking links, and
more: www.metrocon.info.

2012

Join us on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the IIDA
Texas Oklahoma Chapter Annual Awards Gala.
We will present the Design Excellence Awards
as well as present the Chapter Volunteers of
the Year, City Center Volunteers of the Year,
City Center Underwriters of the Year, Chapter
Partner of the Year Award, and the highly
coveted Pinnacle Award. The Pinnacle Award
is the highest honor IIDA Texas Oklahoma
Chapter can bestow upon a design firm. The
award is granted only to firms that have consistently contributed to the highest aspiration of the profession,
community and IIDA while remaining committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in Interior
Design. The IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter Annual Awards Gala will return to the Westin Galleria in Dallas for
a night to honor our fellow Members and Partners and to have some fun as well! Once again, we will have
fashions from around the Chapter’s fashion shows showcased at the beginning of the evening. Register online
at https://iida.ejoinme.org/2012Gala.

iida chapter
awards

gala

Summer 2012
10

partners

OMWorkspace prides itself on being the only true national furniture dealer in the office furniture industry. OM
is a comprehensive resource that our community can turn to for ALL aspects of workspace planning and design.
As a part of our industry partnership, we have committed to IIDA sponsorship on a national level. All OM field
personnel are not only members as an organization, but as full card carrying members. We understand the
importance of design and the organizations that support the design industry are critical to our success. With
this commitment comes an active role in our local representation.
Within the TexasOklahoma Chapter we have two team members that have served or are currently serving on
the Council for Houston City Center. Crystal Lowe served as Communication Chair in 2008 & 2009, as well
as Industry Chair in 2009/10. Jeremy Dicks served as Underwriter Chair in 2011/12 and is currently serving as
Industry Chair for 2012/13. Evelyn Band, Beth Moher, & Jeremy Dicks served on the volunteer committee for
Product Runway 2012. OM Workspace Houston has invested as underwriter for two years with Product Runway
and Arts & Artifacts, as well as sponsored a photo booth for the 2011 event. We have been a title sponsor for
MetroCon in 2009/10, as well as had the pleasure of being awarded the Texas Oklahoma Chapter Sponsor of
the year for 2010.
OM Workspace Houston continues to invest not only in the IIDA organization, but in its growth locally. We have
added some extremely experienced and passionate members to an already dynamic group of professionals, of
which includes our new Houston team leader Keith Hall.
We have the distinct pleasure of announcing some new and exciting evolution of ours in the Houston market.
OM Workspace will be occupying our new space at 3 Post Oak Central, Ste. 100 in the Galleria. David Euscher,
Marissa Yu, Monica Hurley, and Kari Brown of Page Southerland Page make up the design team for our new
space. Stay tuned for details about our Open House Event in the fall. The launching of our own facebook page
will be ready to make its debut in the next few months as well!
The level of commitment that we extend to the design community is unparalleled nationally, and part of our
culture. We feel strongly that it is our responsibility to support the IIDA community, thus OM Workspace
continues to contribute at an Elite level of membership.

Summer 2012
11

industry

Dear Industry Partners,
Wow, what a great
group of industry
professionals that I
have had the honor to
work and play with for
the last couple years.
Please accept my most
heartfelt appreciation
for all the support
you have given the
IIDA TX OK Chapter.
Your muscle as well as
your financial support
makes our industry
and association one
of the strongest in the
world. The IIDA TX
OK Chapter is truly the best – and you personally and
professionally made it possible!
As the summer’s heat sets in, my terms as Industry
Director end. As I pass the torch, please reach out and
give your support for my sucessor Ingrid Bender. Ingrid’s
enthusiasm and passion trumps anything I can offer. She
is ready to support you as an ear and mouthpiece for all
IIDA TX OK industry partners. If you have any feedback,
compliments and/or suggestions, go ahead and connect
with Ingrid at 713-584-3775 or ibender@standardtextile.
com. She eagerly wants to hear from you.
Ingrid and Vivian Featherston your Chapter PresidentElect will be contacting you for your valued and
continued support for 2013. We hope you will open your
arms to their correspondence and fresh ideas. Attached
are some other great ways you can stay involved and
connected. We also hope everyone will consider an
industry membership in 2013!
You can always contact me with your ideas and feedback.
Thank you and with respect,
Kip Altstaetter, Industry IIDA
CS Gulf Coast, a division of The KipCo
713-302-9060 | kip@thekipco.com

BE an IIDA Member – Membership rewards are
detailed on the website: www.iida.org. Membership
includes free entry to most events.
BE an IIDA TX OK Chapter Partner – Partnership
provides many benefits, for details www.iida-tx-ok.
org including free entry to most events.
BE an IIDA Event Underwriter – You and your
organization can help underwrite by contributing
funds and/or in-kind donations to make each event
a success.
BE an Advocate – Support Governmental &
Regulatory Affairs to further the standing of Interior
Design Coalitions in both Texas www.supporttaid.
org and Oklahoma www.oidc.info.
BE a Mentor - Your organization can mentor a
student or speak to a student class. Our future is
in front of us!
BE Philanthropic - Use your get-up-and-go and
volunteer to work with your City Center’s charity of
choice. Our charities need your contributions and
collaborative oomph to achieve their goals.
BE an Educator - Each City Center is always
looking for unique CEU opportunities to provide
their members. If your company offers a CEU
opportunity, offer those ideas to your City Center
Council.
BE Green - Support your City Center’s sustainability
efforts by recycling, conserving water, carpooling,
and/or planting a tree.
BE the Brawn - Roll up your sleeves and be an
IIDA Volunteer. Please contact one of our council
members for volunteer opportunities. From helping
at the events to graphic design, you too can get
involved.
BE the Buzz - Create a buzz about each program
or event. Forward your event e-blasts to friends,
clients and co-workers. Talk up your events.
BE an IIDA FAN – Social Media is a great way to
keep up with the latest IIDA events, photos and
forums.

Summer 2012
12

awards

2012 IIDA Chapter Awards
The IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter is the proud recipient of
three Chapter Awards. The Chapter won Excellence in GRA
Activities and Excellence in Membership Marketing and an
Honorable Mention in Excellence in Programs - City Centers
Category. The IIDA Chapter Awards recognize outstanding
achievement in specialty categories and are designed to
encourage IIDA Chapters to develop and maintain excellence
in their work to enhance the profession at the local level. The
specialty categories include Community Service, Membership
Marketing, Cross Media Interactions, GRA Activities, Forum &
Educational Activities, Chapter Website, Excellence in Programs
(Chapter/City Center/Campus Center), Graphics (Special Events/
Overall Branding), and Chapter of the Year (Large/Small).
Congratulations to the Chapter Board, City Center Volunteers,
and Members who worked throughout the year to strengthen the
regional community and share the IIDA vision!

NeoCon Students
Congratulations to Texas Tech University student John Botello
and his team for winning the IIDA Student Design Charette at
NeoCon in Chicago. John was just one of 12 students throughout
the the country that was chosen to particpate! A distinguished
jury of designers, architects and industry leaders judged the
submission. Thank you John for representing the Texas Tech
University Campus Center and the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter!

John Botello’s winning design charette

Gerardo Razo a student in the University of Texas at San Antonio
interior design color and light class submitted a table top design
for a FurnitureLab NeoCon 2012 Table Design Contest. This year’s
theme was “Re-Imagining the Breakroom.” Gerardo was one of
5 contestants and is now the winner. Congratulations Gerardo!
You can see Gerardo’s entry at www.furniturelab.com/Contests.
Thank you Gerardo for representing the UTSA Campus Center
and the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter!
Gerardo Razo accepting his award for “Re-Imagining
the Breakroom”
Summer 2012
13

city centers

Vivian Featherston, IIDA, RID
City Center Director
GSC Architects

Austin City Center has
been rockin' and rollin' all
through spring and into
summer. By the numbers,
here is what the group has
been up to.

Since January 2012 the City Center has had eight
continuing education units, two project tours, one
silent auction fundraiser, one student show, and two
Zero Landfill weekends.
The silent auction fundraiser was able to raise $2,000
for Austin Dog Rescue and TAID. Zero Landfill was
able to divert 28,000 lbs in two Saturdays, and to
date Austin City Center has donated over $2,000
to TAID.
The City Center’s membership is up from the past
few years. 167 Members call Austin home: 38% are
students, 31% are Professionals, 11% are Industry
Members, 14% are Associates, 3% are Dealer
representatives, 2% are Educators, and 2% are
Affiliate Members. Way to go Austin City Center
and Campus Centers!
A huge shout out is needed for our wonderful event
underwriters. THANK YOU! Events would not be
possible without your support.

BethAnn Kessel, Industry IIDA
City Center Communications Chair
Business Interiors
The Dallas Forth Worth City
Center’s largest fundraiser
and annual fashion show
in April was a huge success
with over 550 in attendance
and a fabulous show of
some of the talent in the
City Center! On June 12th
the City Center hosted a SNEAK PEAK tour of
Baylor Medical Center at McKinney, designed by
RTKL. Attendees were able to tour various spaces
of the recently completed, 95 bed medical center
beginning in the large public lobby, through the
patient floors, ICU, maternity unit, surgery, labs,
dining, chapel and more. Members also invested
their time in supporting Dwell with Dignity, whose
mission is to help families escape poverty and
homelessness through design; one household at a
time. And back by popular demand, IIDA DFW City
Center hosted a Performance at the Wyly Theater
on July 11th. We are all looking forward to another
successful METROCON12 in August followed by
the IIDA TX OK Chapter Annual Awards Gala.

Many attended Zero Landfill's upcycle day at Workplace
Resource's warehouse. Members of the community rushed the
upcycle boxes in search for items to reuse.
Summer 2012
14

Shannah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, IIDA, RID
City Center Director
PR 2012 IIDA Houston City
Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th Annual Product
Runway
Philanthropic
Runway Show benefits the
Houston Furniture Bank,
a non-profit organization
that provides a more
comfortable and livable
environment, making empty houses into homes
for Houston's needy families. This year, over 1100
or Houston's A&D community helped raise almost
$15,000 to further the endeavors of The Furniture
Bank.
2012 TRAVELING TRENDS, An International Look at
Fashion, showcased 22 design teams from Houston
interior design and architecture firms; which were
challenged to design and construct a couture
garment using interior design materials provided by
their randomly paired Industry Partners. The teams
worked with their partners to choose materials
to celebrate their design and toiled tirelessly to
construct the garment for the team model to present
on the runway of the event, May 11.

Amanda Lee, IIDA
City Center Director
Workplace Resource
The Oklahoma City City
Center is off to an amazing
year!
The City Center
kicked off the year with a
CEU, shortly followed by
Student Day, in conjunction
with ASID. This was a
great
opportunity
for
students who could not travel to The IIDA Student
Conference held in Houston. In March, the City
Center held the first breakfast event, Kick Off To
Spring-Fling. The event had a great turnout and
positive feedback, and are planning to hold one
breakfast event annually. Next came a trip to the
capitol for Capitol Days, with OIDC. The group was
even lucky enough to have a few Chapter Board
Members here showing their support. In April the
city Center held its Casino Night event! It was a
great success! Forty youth polo shirts $1,000 were
collected to donate to Youth Services of Oklahoma
County, a local non-profit organization dedicated to
helping kids graduate high school and becoming
successful adults. Next the City Center enjoyed a
project tour at OU College of Architecture & Design,
and the ever popular annual Bowl-A-Rama in June.
Happy summer everyone!

Summer 2012
15

city centers

Tara Mitchell, IIDA, RID, LEED AP
City Center Director
Insite Architects
The IIDA San Antonio City
Center has had a very busy
2012 so far! Following the
Good Design Event in
February that benefited
Say Si as well as TAID, the
City Center featured several
CEU's and held the annual
major gala event, Imagine That, in May. The fashion
show theme of Imagine That this year was recreated
with a Canine twist. The design competition featured
fashions entirely modeled by dogs! Contestants
were required to design a â&#x20AC;&#x153;coutureâ&#x20AC;? outfit for their
four-legged model, and then strut their stuff on the
runway to benefit a fantastic cause. The event also
included an additional mini competition with small
art pieces designed by local students and artists. A
portion of the proceeds from this event benefited
the Converse Animal Shelter. Stay tuned for more
exciting events to come in San Antonio this summer,
including an Eames Movie night (in conjunction with
the AFSA) and a LEED Project Tour!

Christina Fuertes of Texas Wilson and her dog, Caramel, are
"working it" on the Canine Couture runway. Cara is modeling
her Fiesta parade-float-themed ensemble.

Shannon Mitchener, IIDA, LEED AP
City Center Director
MATRIX
Tulsa's first annual Spring
Fling and Beer Flights
provided a new flavor to
the City Center bringing
the design community
together for a fun social
networking event.
This
event, however, served
more than just beer flights!
Proceeds from the event went toward OIDC and
Tulsa's local Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. The
event was held at McNellie's Sidebar in downtown
Tulsa, a perfect spot for good food and beer
sampling! Each person was provided with three
flights of beer, a variety of food was served buffet
style to enjoy with the brews and many auction
items were raffled off throughout the evening. ISC
Surfaces was the Elite Underwriter of the evening
and every attendee received a beer stein with the
ISC and IIDA Texas Oklahoma Association logos
on it. We thank all those in attendance and look
forward to what this event can transform into during
the upcoming years. Look for the upcoming events
calendar for Tulsa City Center, including the annual
Membership Drive later this summer.

Summer 2012
16

industry news

Lacy Mangum, IIDA, LVN
City Center Director-Elect
Parkhill Smith & Cooper
The West Texas City
Center’s
most
recent
event,
the
Annual
Auction, RED ALL OVER,
was a huge success! With
over 40 in attendance
wearing red dresses to red
ties, it was by far the City
Center’s greatest event of
the year. Attendees even enjoyed the evening’s
specialty red drink, cape cods! A portion of the
proceeds will be donated to TAID to support
legislative efforts in the upcoming years. Thanks
to all the underwriters for making this possible!
Upcoming events include “City Center Week” in
October!

Royer & Schutts Commercial Interiors is pleased to
announce Cathryn Dail, as our new A & D Liaison.
Cathryn joined our company 7 years ago as an Interior
Designer. She will be responsible for developing new
opportunities with the A&D community, including
educational CEU credit programs.
Horizon Italian Tile is now open in Houston! Our new
showroom is located at 2702 W. Alabama, just west
of Kirby. Bryan Dye, Ed Gonzales and Amy Trevino
invite you to see the most extensive collection of
Italian Porcelain Tile, Glass and Stone in the city!
Showroom Hours: M-F 9-5 ph 713.523.4500
Hawa Americas Inc. is pleased to annouce the
addition of Shelley Nunley. Shelley is a former
business owner with over twenty years experience
in commercial build-outs and technical installations
across North America. She is joining the team as
the Architectural Representative.
McCoy Workplace Solutions and Rockford Business
Interiors, have both received the 2012 Steelcase
Platinum Partner Award. Steelcase awards this honor
to dealers who demonstrate outstanding service,
community involvement, continuing education and
a commitment to going green. Less than 15 percent
of Steelcase’s dealers receive the award.
The KipCo and CS Gulf Coast have opened their new
resource library at 7155 Old Katy Road, Suite S104,
Houston Texas 77024.
We invite all designers,
architects, facility managers, industry partners and
friends to stop by for a cold drink and conversation.
Check us out!
TRI-KES is proud to lead as the first to qualify for
wallcovering sustainability standard NSF/ANSI 342.
This standard is the first of its kind in the world and
gives the A&D community a way to easily identify
third-party certified, sustainable and environmentally
preferable wallcoverings.
The Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS)
held its 16th annual Gala honoring the 2011
accomplishments of Women’s Business Enterprises
(WBEs) and supporting corporations. Kathy White,
CEO of Business Interiors was awarded WBE
Volunteer of the Year.

Whitney Mansell, Lacy Mangum and Stephanie Laughlin
interrupt the fun just for a few minutes for a great photo op!

Wilson Office Interiors is on the MOVE…..just
across the parking lot to Suite 105 (next door to the
fabulous new Allsteel showroom) at 1444 Oak Lawn
Avenue in Dallas. Come visit us when you’re in the
neighborhood!

Summer 2012
17

members news

Abel Design Group welcomes the newest additions
to our team - Darayus Kolah and Christopher Hale!
Darayus joins us as an Associate Principal with more
than 22 years experience in the business. Chris has
7 years of experience in Architecture and Interiors
and will serve as a Senior Designer.
Interprise Designs is pleased to announce the
following promotions: Kaye McCallum - President;
Paul Osborn & Melissa Chrietzberg - Principal;
Kris Lee - Technical Director; Holley Higgins Project Manager; Jenny Barclay - Assistant Project
Manager; Randy White & Kimberley Bollinger Project Coordinator; and our New Hire: English
Minter - Designer
Harris Design, a Dallas based Interior Architectural
Design firm, has hired Glen Jones, RID, IIDA as
Director of New Business, and Michal Boothe, RID
as Project Designer. Harris Design recently relocated
into new offices in The Centrum.
Perkins+Will’s design of the Dallas Peston Royal
Replacement Branch Library won the “On The
Boards” category in the ALA IIDA National Design
Competition. Honoring excellence in library interior
design, the project will be featured in Contract
Magazine and American Libraries Magazine, among
others.
Gardner Vass, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, has joined the
Dallas office of Perkins+Will, relocating from the
Charlotte, North Carolina location. An Associate
and Senior Interiors Project Designer with 18 years
experience, Gardner will lead the Dallas Corporate
+ Commercial interiors practice for Perkins+Will.
Rees Associates, Inc. (REES) is pleased to announce
the election of Allan Parr, AIA, LEED AP to the
position of Chief Executive Officer. Parr assumes
the role from REES’ founder and current Chairman,
Dr. Frank W. Rees, Jr., AIA, LEED AP.
Curtis Group Architects recently completed the
15,500 SF North Dallas Medical Center, which
includes the Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery,
Center for Spine Care, and Radiology Associates’
Prestonwood Imaging Center.
Curtis Group Architects (CGA) recently completed
the 90,000 SF Waccamaw Medical Office Building,
home to more than a dozen specialty physician
practices, which complements the 167-bed
Waccamaw Community Hospital, designed by CGA.
Studio 11 Design is pleased to announce the
addition of Tracy Melton to the design team.

Sylvie Bucci, RID has joined FKP Interiors as Vice
President and Senior Interior Designer. Bucci has more
than 16 years of in-depth design experience in various
practice areas including healthcare.
The lauckgroup is pleased to announce two new
promotions: Kate Crumrine(Austin) & Germame Hailu
(Dallas) have been promoted to Associate of the firm.
Projects: Scott Douglas McConnico, Sunpower, HarrisFinley- Bogle, Newmark Grubb & Ellis, 777 Main Lobby,
Ft. Worth
GSC Architects is excited to announce that Vivian
Featherston has accepted the position of PresidentElect for the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter. We are
very proud of the commitment she has shown to IIDA
through the years and want to congratulate and give
her our full support over the next 3 years.
Studio B Design Group is excited to welcome Kaitlyn
Johnson to our staff! Kaitlyn is a recent graduate
from the Art Institute of Dallas. She brings 5 years of
previous internship experience, fantastic organizational
skills, and an eternally upbeat attitude. We can’t wait to
all she will accomplish.
Studio 11 Design has recently completed the Fairmont
Heritage Place renovation in Santa Fe, NM and has
been awarded the first branded hotel in Haiti -the Best
Western Premier.
Perkins+Will Houston office was recently awarded the
IFMA Global Headquarters Relocation project. Juliè
Gauthier, IIDA, LEED AP will lead the design team as
the Project Designer to provide IFMA - the world’s
largest international association for professional facility
managers - with a new workplace.
The Perkins+Will Dallas office recently announced 2012
promotions for the following IIDA members: Amber
Pickett, Interior Designer II; Courtney Johnston, Senior
Associate; Gardner Vass, Associate:John Smith, Senior
Associate
John DuBard, IIDA, AAHID, LEED AP has joined FKP
Interiors as Vice President and Lead Interior Designer.
DuBard, brings more than 20 years of experience in
client-driven, user-focused planning and interior design
services to the FKP team. He will be based in the firm’s
Dallas office.
Curtis Group Architects is pleased to announce the
addition of interior design coordinator Katlin Beecherl
to its Dallas team. hospitality, and workplace. She will
be based in the firm’s Houston office.